Conservation groups opposed to energy extraction in the area had sued the state board after it initially approved the permit in December without holding a hearing. That prompted the board to reverse course and hold another vote.

Denver-based ECA has announced plans to develop dozens of wells near Roscoe and Belfry along the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River near the Wyoming border. Brewing magnate Peter Coors is the company's board of directors

Skeptics of the company’s plans warn that thousands more wells could follow, harming water resources and air quality.